The absolute best time to travel to Sarajevo

The magic of Sarajevo unfolds differently every season—delicate flowers in spring, a cosmopolitan vibe in summer or snow-covered rooftops in winter. Our city is a year-round destination!

Which date you choose in the calendar ultimately depends on your own preferences—hot or pleasantly cool, lively and full of tourists or quiet and relaxed. Each month has its own magic and to help you decide which is best suited to your travel plans, we’ve put together a little overview.

What is the best time to visit Sarajevo for you and your family?

Spring (March – May)

Sarajevo slowly awakens from hibernation, Sarajevans take advantage of every sunny day to sit on the terraces and outdoor activities slowly become possible again.

March: Temperatures become more pleasant and can even break the 20 degree mark on fine days. However, snow is possible at any time. If you travel to Sarajevo in March, be prepared for a variety of weather, from snow to rain to sunshine. March is therefore the ideal time to stroll around the city, visit museums and spend time in Vrelo Bosne Park or on Trebević. There is often still too much snow for hiking in the Olympic mountains.

April/May: Temperatures rise and Sarajevo shows its spring-like side: trees and flowers are in bloom everywhere and hiking to Trebević or Lukomir is possible again in May. Rafting on the Neretva at Konjic is also a great day out. However, it can still snow occasionally in both months and temperatures can drop unexpectedly—pack accordingly.

Summer (June – August)

Culture buffs will be in their element during the summer months, when the streets of the Bosnian capital are packed with festivals. However, summer is also the time of year when most tourists visit—Baščaršija, the winding old town, can get quite busy and accommodation is more expensive accordingly.

June/July: The summer heat marks the start of the open-air festival season, such as the Garden of Dreams electronic festival or the Kultur na Ulice series of free concerts and theatre performances. June is still a great time to go rafting, and hiking in the mountains around the city is now easy.

August: The month when Sarajevo becomes a cosmopolitan metropolis and hosts the Sarajevo Film Festival, which attracts international stars, directors, and visitors every year. The hot days of this month are best spent in the surrounding mountains or by one of the lakes, such as the glacial lake Boračko Jezero.

Autumn (September–November)

The golden season is a very special time of year in Sarajevo: The hustle and bustle of summer slows down a little, the temperatures drop, and you need a jumper again at night. However, there is still plenty to do in the Bosnian capital during the Indian summer.

September/October: The perfect time for hiking, even in the hot Herzegovina between Sarajevo and Mostar, or in the Blidinje Nature Park. Autumn is also a great time for kayaking on the Neretva River or strolling through Sarajevo’s narrow streets.

November: The harvest season is over, which means fresh ajvar on the markets, chestnuts on the streets and the first winter dishes making their way back into kitchens. The perfect month for a food tour or cooking class.

Winter (December–February)

Time for the city of the Winter Olympics to cover itself in a white blanket. White Christmases have become rarer in recent years, but they still happen sometimes.

December: Sarajevo lights up in festive splendour—Christmas trees glitter everywhere. Visit one of the Christmas markets for a glass of mulled wine, or warm up in one of the restaurants with dishes such as sarma or Bosnian coffee. Around the turn of the year, the city is full of tourists from around the world and the region.

January/February: For winter sports fans, the season starts now on the Olympic mountains of Bjelašnica and Jahorina, just a short drive from the Bosnian capital. There are perfect slopes, rustic mountain huts and cosy spa resorts. After the holidays, Sarajevo quietens down from mid-January and you have many sights all to yourself.

Find your Sarajevo with .Cheyf

No matter when you decide to visit Sarajevo, we’ll help you make the most of every month. Whether it’s hiking in early summer, skiing in winter or culinary experiences all year round: Let us make your trip an unforgettable experience. Contact us now and plan your Sarajevo moment!